Office of Career Services

Build Confidence, Build Careers

Message from the Assistant Dean of Career Services

November…a time for Thanksgiving and, of course, gearing up for finals.  But, back to Thanksgiving because that’s more fun and there’s good food involved.  During this time of Thanksgiving, the Office of Career Services owes a great deal of gratitude to our alumni and other employers who seek to hire and mentor our students, provide them mock interviews, and speak on panels and at events to our budding attorneys.

I am also very thankful for the students who look out for other students and help them with job opportunities, whether they recommend another student to replace them in an internship or give them insights as to a particular job opportunity based on their own experiences.  In fact, a recent employer interviewing our students had this to say to Dean Cornwell: “What particularly surprised and impressed me…was that two different students - in dealing with me on matters unrelated to the interviews - took the opportunity to recommend (politely, professionally, and in glowing and compelling terms) a fellow student that they knew had interviewed with us.  I've never experienced that before in all my (20+) years with the Commission, and it really seemed to me to be indicative of the culture and community that you are working to create at the law school.”  Seton Hall Law is, always has been, and always will be a community, and we witness it firsthand in OCS.

In this issue, we are highlighting jobs in energy and environmental law.  What can we be more thankful for than our Earth, the life it gives us, and the natural world around us?  So many of our students engage in legal internships and jobs with organizations that help to regulate our footprint on our planet and preserve it for future generations.  What an amazing and fulfilling field of law to pursue; we hope you enjoy reading about their exciting and rewarding experiences in this issue.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your own,

Dean Pirone

JD Student Spotlight

Jamie Mitrovic

A 3L student at Seton Hall Law, Jamie Mitrovic has worked for the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel in the Department of the Treasury, PSE&G, and the Urban Resource Institute. During her undergraduate tenure at New York University, where she majored in Environmental Studies and minored in Global Public Health, Jamie served as a student researcher at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences in St. George’s, Bermuda. At Seton Hall Law, Jamie is President of the Environmental and Energy Law Society, as well as a member of LALSA, LAMBDA Law Alliance, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Tell us a little about yourself. What brought you to law school?

At around 18 years old, I felt law school was not a place for a young Latina woman like myself. After taking a Constitutional Law class in my sophomore year at NYU, I steered clear of the idea of going to law school, instead delving deeper into the sciences—exploring coding, environmental science, business, and public health classes. After three years working in the solar energy industry permitting solar and battery storage systems in New York City, I grew a desire to be part of larger-scale renewable energy projects. I enjoyed permitting for residential and commercial systems but became interested in utility-scale projects of all sorts (including off-shore wind); therefore, I went to law school!

Read Jamie's full spotlight here.

The LEO Corner

Grace Calderon

Grace Calderon is a 3L LEO student. She has had two in-house legal experiences, one at Suburban Propane during her 1L summer and one at Reckitt Benckiser LLC during her 2L summer. Grace has also worked as a judicial intern for The Honorable Stephen L. Petrillo, Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County, Special Civil Part, and as a Research Fellow for the Center for Policy and Research at Seton Hall Law

What made you decide to go to law school?

I knew I wanted to go to law school since 7th grade. It has been a life goal to be able to graduate law school and work in a profession where you really can make a difference.  

What have you enjoyed most about your law school experience thus far? 

I’ve enjoyed the challenge law school has been and the amazing people I have met. Law school is not easy but it’s a privilege to be able to be on this journey and to have people around you who are supporting your success. 

Get to know more about Grace! Read her full interview here.

Weekend Warriors

Elizabeth Lesso

Lizz Lesso is a 3L weekend student at Seton Hall Law. This summer, she will be working as a summer associate at CSG Law (Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi PC).

What brought you here to law school?

Coming to law school was kind of my pandemic hobby. In high school, everyone told me I should go to law school, but I wasn’t really interested at the time. The idea of law school always kind of hovered around in the back of my brain, but I never really let myself seriously consider it. I was doing well in an unrelated career, and it seemed like a lot to walk away from. And then the pandemic hit, and I felt like all these big conversations were happening around me that I didn’t really know how to participate in. I had time to follow a lot of the news, and also to think about what it was I really wanted to do. And just about everywhere I looked, it seemed like whoever was working toward change had a law degree. So this idea of law school that has been hovering in the back of my brain for a while started to come to the front. And then when I learned that part-time programs existed, law school started to feel like something I could really do.

Get to know more about Lizz! Read her full interview here.

Meet Michelle Stern, a 2021 graduate of Seton Hall Law's MSJ program, whose remarkable journey in the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare sector has left a lasting imprint. Just four months post-graduation, Michelle secured a prestigious role as Global Marketing Category Manager at 3M, crediting her Seton Hall Law education for her success. Her daily responsibilities involve intricate contract negotiations and data analysis, skills cultivated during her studies. Beyond 3M, Michelle has embraced the role of an Associate Professor of Healthcare Marketing, imparting her wealth of knowledge. Her story is a testament to Seton Hall's transformative impact on aspiring professionals.

Read Michelle's full spotlight here.

Isabella Smith

Isabella Smith is a 3L student at Seton Hall Law. She has participated in two different externships during her time at the Law School, working at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office in the Transit Division. After graduation, Belle will be clerking for The Honorable Jeffrey Jablonski, J.S.C.

Can you talk a little about each internship and what you did there?

At the Port Authority, I was assigned to three separate attorneys, and I was able to split my time between the litigation and transactional departments. Each of these attorneys gave me various assignments, whether it be researching for a brief or editing contracts and leases for the PA, just to provide a couple of examples. While this was a partially remote position, I liked going into the office and seeking work with attorneys other than the ones I was assigned to. I wanted to learn as much as I could, as each attorney there has different skills and specialties that they have for their positions.

I also was an intern in the Attorney General NJ Transit Division during my 2L spring. There, I worked with all the DAGs in the department and they each gave me different things to work on. Since this was during the semester, I had some long-term research projects, as well as quick assignments, to assist the attorneys with their daily work. In both of these positions, I wrote various memos as well.

Read more about Isabella's Environmental Law experiences here! 

Christiana Mones

Christiana Mones is a 2L Seton Hall Law student. This past summer, she worked at the Catskill Watershed Corporation and, during Summer 2024, she will be a summer associate at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.

What does the Catskill Watershed Corporation do?

The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) assists New York City's Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) in administering programs in the Catskill Region that allow NYC to maintain its Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD) issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. The FAD is issued to NYCDEP so long as the drinking water they are providing to NYC residents meets certain standards, and allows NYCDEP to avoid building a filtration and sanitation system which would cost several billion dollars.

CWC is NYCDEP's partner in the Catskill Region to implement stormwater and septic programs to keep the groundwater clean and within EPA standards. CWC also acts as a voice for the Upstate communities to provide them with economic opportunities so the communities are not economically disadvantaged or displaced as a result of the FAD. When NYCDEP began its mission of providing drinking water, NYCDEP built 5 reservoirs in the Catskills, displacing thousands of local residents. In the aftermath of the Clean Water Drinking Act, CWC, along with other regional organizations, acted to prevent the complete eminent domain of the area. NYCDEP has the largest unfiltered water supply in the US.

Read more about Christiana's Environmental  Law experience here! 

Charting Your Path in Environmental and Energy Law:                

Opportunities, Tips, and Networking Strategies for Aspiring Legal Advocates

Professor Heather Payne is a leader in the areas of energy law, environmental law, evolving regulatory policy, and the implications for property, both real and intellectual. A former chemical engineer and corporate executive, her research explores regulatory policy, the changes necessary to implement the electricity grid of the future, and how consumers will become increasingly involved in the decision-making of regulatory bodies.  Before joining the Seton Hall Law faculty, Professor Payne was Fellow and Assistant Director of the Center for Climate, Energy, Environment and Economics (CE3) at the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Discover the insights and strategies for success in environmental and energy law from Professor Heather Payne. Click here to read more!

Prof. Heather Payne

Best Practices:    Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are invaluable tools for career exploration and networking. They offer the chance to gather insider insights, connect with professionals, and gain personalized advice. These low-pressure interactions can help build confidence, provide guidance on career goals, and reveal hidden job opportunities. By showcasing genuine interest in a specific field or company, you make a lasting impression. Informational interviews serve as a research tool for making informed career decisions, broadening your perspective, and offering a unique opportunity to learn from those who've been there. In essence, they're a vital part of your journey to a successful and fulfilling career.

1. Research and Prepare Thoughtful Questions: In addition to being prepared with your resume, transcript, and writing samples, research the lawyer's background, practice area, and recent cases they've worked on. Craft thoughtful, specific questions about their career path, experiences, or the legal field in general. This demonstrates your genuine interest and shows that you've done your homework.

2. Dress Professionally: Dress appropriately for the meeting, adhering to a business or business-casual dress code, depending on the firm's culture. Dressing professionally reflects your respect for the lawyer and the legal profession. It also gives a positive impression, even in a casual informational interview setting.

3. Follow Up with a Thank-You Note: After the informational interview, send a well-written thank-you note expressing your gratitude for their time and insights. Reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity to learn from their expertise. This courtesy not only shows professionalism but also keeps the door open for future networking opportunities.

5 Steps to Securing an Informational Interview

Securing an informational interview involves a series of steps. Here are five essential ones:

1. Research and Target: Identify the professionals you want to interview. Research your chosen field or industry and select individuals who can provide valuable insights. Choose people who have the knowledge and experience you seek.

2. Craft a Persuasive Request: Write a well-thought-out and personalized request for an informational interview. Clearly state your purpose, the specific information you're seeking, and why you believe their expertise is relevant to your goals. Be respectful of their time.

3. Utilize Your Network: Leverage your existing network to secure the interview. Ask for introductions from people you know who may have connections with your target interviewee. Personal referrals can significantly increase your chances of success.

4. Professional Communication: Reach out through professional channels, such as LinkedIn or email. Ensure your message is clear, concise, and free of typos. Be courteous and express your appreciation for their potential time and insights.

5. Follow Up and Be Persistent: If you don't receive a response initially, don't be discouraged. Follow up after a reasonable period, expressing your continued interest. Persistence, as long as it's respectful, can pay off in securing the interview.

Remember, securing informational interviews may take time and effort. Stay patient and persistent while maintaining professionalism and respect for the professionals you're trying to connect with.

OCS is getting “techie”! We have two virtual reality oculus headsets that will allow you to practice your interview skills. The headset projects interviewers in a conference room in front of you and has some OCS questions uploaded that we would normally ask you in a mock interview. The oculus records your answers and gives you some metrics on eye contact, filler words, pace of your answers, etc. You will be emailed the recording of your answers and your results after your mock interview. It can be extremely helpful for you to hear your answers played back to you in helping you assess how you come across to your interviewers.

We had a few students come test them out and have gotten great feedback! If you’re interested in coming to try one out, please email Megan Clancy, megan.clancy@shu.edu. She can set up a time for you to come in and hone your interview skills!

Meet Gregory Gamble 

Associate Director, Career Services

Gregory Gamble, M.S.Ed., is a higher education professional with five years of experience, currently serving as the Associate Director in the Office of Career Services. Gregory completed his undergraduate degree at the University at Buffalo and earned his M.S.Ed. from Niagara University. Prior to joining the Office of Career Services at Seton Hall Law, Gregory worked as the Assistant Director of Admissions for both Undergraduate Admissions and the Office of the Educational Opportunity Fund at Seton Hall University. Additionally, Gregory served as an adjunct professor at The New School in Manhattan, NY.

In his role as Associate Director, Gregory works closely with our Master's in Legal Studies students.

Mark Your Calendars

On October 18, OCS held its first Networking Reception in over a decade!  200 plus students had the opportunity to network with over 65 attorneys about the field of law in which they practice and get practical tips about how to break into those legal areas.  The legal fields represented included banking/finance, business litigation, cannabis, commercial litigation, corporate, criminal, cybersecurity, data privacy, energy & environmental, entertainment, family, government/public interest, health, immigration, intellectual property, labor & employment, litigation, mergers & acquisitions, product liability, real estate, tax, and trusts & estates.  It was a great evening for the Seton Hall Law community!

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin visited the Office of Career Services on October 4 to talk to students about the AG Honors Program for graduating students and the various internship opportunities for all students.  The Office of the Attorney General touches upon nearly every aspect of life in New Jersey. Its sweeping responsibilities include investigating and prosecuting crimes, representing the State’s interests in court, enforcing strong consumer protection and civil rights statutes, regulating important industries, and overseeing over 38,000 law enforcement officers throughout the state.

The Office of the Attorney General has five divisions in which students and attorneys may work: the Division of Law (DOL), which brings civil enforcement actions and advises state agencies; the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), which prosecutes criminal cases and oversees criminal justice policy within the State; the Division on Civil Rights (DCR), which enforces the State’s civil rights laws; the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA), which protects consumers and investors from fraud; and Office of Public Integrity & Accountability (OPIA), which investigates corruption and works to strengthen confidence in New Jersey’s criminal justice system.  The subject matters that the AG’s Office encounters include civil rights, reproductive health rights, firearms civil enforcement, social medial accountability and data privacy/cybersecurity, environmental justice, workers’ rights and labor enforcement, violence intervention and victim assistance, youth justice, sexual and domestic violence prevention, cybercrimes, and human trafficking.

To learn more about internships with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, please visit https://www.njoag.gov/careers/student-internships/

Assistant Dean Pirone, along with 3 current 3Ls (Robert Picciano, Christine Hoy, and Elizabeth Dennis) and one alum (Zachary Cimring, Class of 2023), spoke with prospective law students at Seton Hall University on October 17 about their experiences as Seton Hall Law students, job opportunities for students and graduates, how to succeed in law school, and the different organizations, teams, and journals to join at the Law School.            #SetonHallProud

Students are welcome to stop by the CS Boutique to get professional attire. All items are free, and you are welcome to take as many items as you like. Donations are also welcome. We accept gently worn or new suits, blouses, shirts, ties, etc. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Blackwood at monique.blackwood@shu.edu. 

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